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President Lincoln; 



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it a speoii I Divine s?iric3 held May 21" 1865, 

AND PUBLISIIEi) AT TH" REQUEST OF THE AMERICAN RESIDENTS IN 
RIO DE JANEIRO. 



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ON T II K OCCASION OF THE DEATH (»K 



President Lincoln; 



DKMVEKKD BY 



$tb. %. §. Simonton, 

at a special Divine service held May 21 st 1865, 

AND PUBLISHED AT' THE REQUEST OF THE AMERICAN RESIDENTS IN 
UK) DK JANEIRO. 



1'rinletl by (ieome Leuzing< 

186S. 



ments are otld AM ° £T' " S " eaI ^P*^ and *•*■ 

. *«, a n dT h ^rt:r: n :; e :f\T deIiip8 are 

acknowledged It i. ,t , " affln,t ->' are alo »e 

himself, a?d hi' 1 1 l 8 "!? t"7 *"' a m!m lea ™ t0 ka ™ 
personal, i t w Ve n Ti "tt t ° T™ "V* * P ™ te a »" 
nearest to the one wh„ • Z ^ ° f Um who staad * 

friend will be asked t ™ g " '^^S' N ° -**»« 

by deep II 17 9 eV 7 "• A heaH P° W6rft % ex- ercise d 
in its sear eh aft ; 11 h ^* " in,tin<,t alm °<" ">«"«»'» 
is sca,.ee, y « ded o f'^r 7"*"?* ** """"^ •"-*»«• 

»*» ^ rer :^rtn: of t* a " 

or interest, Where th.« i * lvacled b ^ one great emotion 

- smu o f ,.„x:: :::;;— ^ s r ng is *— 

be national in its character, then w 111 he L , T*™* " j ° 7 
of that ringota tie, which binds ", S "'° ng dr * wU « 



4 



real between men who truly love their country, as is parental 
or filial affection, in that family where love rules in the hearts 
of I'oth parents and children. 

My countrymen, as it seems to me. this is the true inter- 
pretation of our meeting to da}*. The feeling or instinct of natio- 
nality is stirred to its depths, and Ave meet to give expression 
to emotions common to us all. The selection of this place and 
hour, and the request that I speak to you from this desk, is a 
distinct recognition of the hand of God in what has happened 
to us as a nation; and an expression of our desire to seek in 
Him. all that we need as individuals, and as forming part of 
that nation. This in itself is an omen for good. No one who 
forms any proper conception of the importance attaching to 
events now transpiring in the United States, and who has obser- 
ved how that often the greatest interests depend upon the 
ageney of a single master Will, can fail to see the gravity of the 
startling news that has reached us, and to recognise that nothing 
can he more appropriate than to seek to comfort and strengthen 
ourselves in God. 

It is a proper time to be still, in recognition that God 
rules. Or if our voices make themselves heard, let it be in con- 
fession that lie is the Lord, and that his judgment's hoAvever 
mysterious are right — in thanksgiving for the faithfulness and 
o-oodness Avhich ever accompany His sorest strokes, and in fer- 
vent supplications for our beloved country, still in peril — per- 
haps iioav. more than ever, needing the gracious interposition 
of the «Lord of Hosts » and the « God of Jacobs. By so doing, 
I believe avc shall strike a chord in perfect unison with the pur- 
est and hest expressions of national attachment, and most thor- 
oughly identity ourselves Avith those interests, which (Jod him- 
>r\\' is really consulting, in all this long and fearful struggle. 

It is related of Martin Luther, who of all men that have 
ever Kved, had most often occasion to seek superhuman strength 
and consolation, that Avhemwer neAvs reached him unfaA'orable 
to the reformation, he was accustomed to say to those around him 
h let u> yftig tlu 1 46** Psalm, » Here lay the secret of his strength 
and of his whole life. Here his soul found anchorage, Avhen for 
many days of storm and tempest, neither sun. moon, nor stars 



once appeared. Here the great in all ages have found refuge and 
strength and help in time of trouble. If the sublime faith of 
this Psalm be ours, neither shall we fear, « though the earth be 
removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst 
of the sea, though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, 
. though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. » 

No one surely will hesitate to admit, that the times re- 
quire such confidence. The strong and figurative language in 
which the author of this Psalm describes the dangers threatening 
himself; and the City of God, or Jerusalem, the capital of Judea, 
is not too bold, to be accomodated to the present circumstances 
of our country. The actual revolution in full progress, whether 
judged superficially by the roaring and swelling of struggling 
hosts, and excited millions of interested spectators : or by a 
profounder examination of the permanent traces which it will 
leave upon the whole face of society, aptly described by the 
shaking of mountains, and their being removed and cast into 
the midst of the sea, has about it a magnitude and importance 
that warrants such an accomodation. We have reached a crisis 
in our national history, when not only christian men, but all 
men capable of seeing the disparity between man's strength, 
and the tossings of the troubled sea of national affairs, must know 
and feel — though they may not so express themselves — that 
our only adequate security is in the presence with us of the 
« Lord of Hosts, » as our refuge and strength. 

It is not my wont to introduce topics of the day into 
the pulpit, nor to devote any part of time sacred to God's wor- 
ship, to the discussion of measures, even of vital national inte- 
rest. I have no lights to guide me in forming a judgment upon 
such subjects any more likely to be correct, than the judgment 
of any other person, equally well informed: and' the pulpit is 
no place for the discussion of doubtful questions, which cannot 
be subjected to the authority of the written word. Yet on this 
occasion it would only be affectation, not to speak plainly of 
our national sorrow and loss. It is the burden of every heart 
and we come here to roll it upon Him who has said, « Cast 
thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. » 

A few days ago each one of us was startled and shocked 



6 



by the rumour that President Lincoln was dead, having fallen 
by the hand of an assassin. It was such a rumour as one refu- 
ses to believe. Our horror at the thought of such a crime, and 
instinctive shrinking from the possible consequences to the coun- 
try, of so sudden a removal of him who for four eventful years 
has been the leader of the people — him whom they trusted when 
distrust had reached almost every one else — presented to every 
one's mind such forms of terror, that we tried to discredit the 
horrible rumour. 

But it was not possible long to doubt. It is verified beyond 
any reasonable doubt, that on the night of the 14 th of April — a 
day of all others most deeply stained by secret conspiracy a- 
gainst our national life — President Lincoln received a mortal 
wound from an assassin, from the effects of which he is believ- 
ed to have died the next day. It is at least certain that the 
wound received was such, that only direct divine interposition 
could prevent its mortal effect. A similar attempt was made 
upon the life of Secretary Seward, who was at that time confi- 
ned to his bed by sickness. Though severely wounded, it is ho- 
ped that none of his wounds will prove mortal, and that the 
nation will be spared this double bereavement. This is the news 
that is deeply stirring every American heart, and has drawn 
us together to day. 

What is its meaning ? What are the lessons God would 
reach us. by means of this great calamity? We know that no- 
thing happens in vain in the course of His providence. Especi- 
ally are we assured that an event of such national importance, 
is intended either to discipline, or punish us, as a nation. We 
ought not to be stupid under such a visitation. Even the ac- 
knowledged difficulty of interpreting the acts of a wonder wor- 
king God, should not dissuade us from reverently seeking, to 
learn and improve the lessons He would teach us. In this very 
thing, lies an important part of the discipline, to which He sub- 
jects us in this life. He speaks to us in His word with all 
plainness, of the true way of life through his Son Jesus Christ. 
He sends his Spirit to all humble and devout students of the 
word, to seal upon their inmost hearts its saving truths. These 
truths sire the constant theme of the pulpit. They come with 



authority, challenging the belief of all men in the name of Him, 
who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He who has ears to 
hear, is commanded to hear, and live. He who will not hear nor 
believe, gives a melancholy proof that the truth is not in him. 

But besides the voice of the written word, plain and in- 
fallible in its teachings, God speaks to us almost daily, by His 
providence towards us as individuals, and as associated with 
each other in forming part of a community, or of a great na- 
tion. The voice of God heard in His providential acts is much 
like that same voice speaking in the prophetical portion of the 
written word. The meaning is often obscure, and purposely obs- 
cure. Yet there is always deep and important meaning, which God 
himself will in due time make plain. God oftentimes will be His 
own sole interpreter making plain by the event, what man's 
feeble sense had pronounced inextricably confused. He will teach 
us by the discipline of patient waiting. He will impress upon us 
the wholesome lesson, that St. Augustin would teach when he 
says « Let us grant that God can do some things that we can- 
not understand. » 

Yet it is still true, that God speaks to us in His Pro- 
vidence, and that He designs to be heard. This is taught by 
individual christian experience. No Christian who walks by 
faith has any doubt upon this subject: while at the same time 
few are so enthusiastic, as to claim infallibility for their inter- 
pretations of God's providential purposes. The safe course and 
the course actually pursued by every christian duly conscious 
both of God's nearness to him, and of the mystery of His 
doings, avoids on the one hand all indifference to the events 
of God's providence — for such indifference is simply practical 
atheism — and on the other hand the dangerous error of foolish 
enthusiasts who would be as wise as Gpd himself. If in this 
spirit we seek to profit by the teachings of God's providence 
in our present distress, our errors will prove harmless, and our 
hearts will be comforted by the consolations of God's word, 
which are neither few nor small. 

And first, let us lament over this great national bereave- 
ment, for we all feel that it has these proportions. I can in all 
sincerity accomodate to our present circumstances, the lamenta- 



8 



tion of king David, over the body of Abner, murdered just when 
the war between Israel and Judah had been brought to a close 
by their reunion under their anointed and rightful king. Know 
ye not, said king David unto his servants, that « there is a prince 
and a great man fallen this day in Israel. As a man falleth lie- 
fore wicked men, so did he fall. » The history adds « the king 
lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Aimer, and all the 
people wept. » A nation's tears are now being shed, for Pre- 
sident Lincoln. If the watering of tears can keep green the 
sod that now covers his resting place, greenness will long be 
its garment even though that spot be like the mountains of GilbOa 
where Saul and Jonathan fell — without the watering of the 
• lews and rains of heaven. It is no prophecy to say that that spot 
wherever it may be, will become a place of pilgrimage, and that 
there, as at Mount Vernon every one will receive a fuller inspi- 
ration of unselfish patriotism, and resolve anew, never to let go 
his faith in God, nor betray the Eepublic. 

Others will treat of the life, and character of Abraham 
Lincoln. It is unnecessary for me to do so. I believe he is un- 
derstood already, by all who wish to understand him. His im- 
perfections especially are known to the whole world. His virtues 
are known to the great mass of those for whom he has toiled 
and died. The lapse of time, I am confident, will bring no rever- 
sal of the popular verdict, for the people have always understood 
President Lincoln and trusted him. The people will mourn his 
loss, for they have always felt that he understood them, and 
regarded himself as holding in trust for them, and their posterity, 
the liberties, immunities, and blessings, of citizens of the United 
States of North America. No one can say that he betrayed his 
trust, up to the fatal hour when he was struck down by the 
hand of an assassin. And America will never lose the high po- 
sition she has gained among the nations, so long as men of 
Abraham Lincoln's temper are to be found clearing her forests 
ami tilling her broad fields, satisfied with the simple pleasures 
of domestic life, yet read} r at their country's call to take any 
poii ion of honorable service, and dare any thing to guard the 
-acred deposit of the Nation's life and liberties. Here lies our 
true national strength and glorv. It lies not as so many have 



9 



foolishly imagined, in the boasted perfections of our Government, 
and Constitution. No such perfection belongs to our Institutions 
and Form of Government, and if national virtue and morality be 
undermined by a process long unhappily at work — the propaga- 
tion of corruption from a class of our public men who are with- 
out principle, through individuals to the great mass of the nation 
— the national strength will be gone and the Eepublic will beco- 
me effete, without a single blot or erasure upon her Constitu- 
tion. If this process be not checked — if politics become a sy- 
nonym for • dishonesty and trickery, and national morality be 
offered "up as a holocaust to the ambition and greed of those 
who aspire to office — then may God give us the wisdom and 
grace to submit to some arm and will strong enough to tear 
the Constitution into a thousand shreds, for it was made for a 
people fit to be free. Its authors never designed it to outlive 
the virtues of the nation. The dream of the ancients which as- 
cribed this world, so full of beauty, order, and adaptations infi- 
nite, to a fortuituos concourse of atoms revolving in space, is 
not more baseless, than any dream of liberty, order, and well- 
being in the Republic of the United-States, when intelligence 
integrity, and morality, have ceased to characterise the mass of 
her people. In such case the very material resources of the na 
tion, will so aggravate the mischief of her example and influ- 
ence, that soon some power will be raised up by God to abate 
the monstrous nuisance; and to establish a government of physi- 
cal force, upon the ruins of the Eepublic of Washington. It is to be 
hoped that the career of Abraham Lincoln, and the memory of 
his moral purity and political integrity will rebuke the dege- 
neracy and corruption of the times, and warn the people nevcr- 
to put public trust in men who keep no private faith. 

One lesson we have been learning by the many painful 
experiences of the past four years, and now enforced upon us 
by the intelligence just received, is the value of individual men 
to the public welfare. It now seems probable, that the indivi- 
dual will and judgment of a comparatively few men, have gi- 
ven direction and character to a struggle of unexampled mag- 
nitude, in which the combatants have been millions. History 
teaches the same lesson. The world's history is but the biogra- 



10 



pby of a comparatively few individuals. All great events and 
revolutions, naturally group themselves around a few historic 
names. Yet in times of quiet and peace, this is forgotten or igno- 
red. The people of the United States needed to be taught this 
lesson. Great men, and great statesmen seemed to abound. It 
was difficult to find fit offices for all who were fit to fill them, 
without a blind system of rotation in office, that deposed alike 
good and bad, usually to elevate bad and worse. Statesmanship 
was becoming rapidly impossible by the stupidity of the people 
in allowing faithful and able public servants, to be displaced by 
men unfit for trust. Forwardness in courting popular favor pas- 
sed for merit, and was nearly sure, sooner or later, to be re- 
warded. Talents of high order made their possessor the common 
enemy of mediocre men, and their united and persistent oppo- 
sition seldom failed to blast bis prospects of high preferment. 

But the da}* of trial came. The storm beat over the ship 
of state, and nearly swept her clean of her public men. Few 
proved both honest and capable to the full extent of the nation- 
al requirements; and to-day if I mistake not, all who truly love 
their country feel for those who have been faithful and capable, 
an affection never before felt for our public men. We have none 
to spare. This feeling of apprehended danger to the country, it 
was that so startled. every one when it was first whispered, tbat 
both President Lincoln and his chief Secretary had been assassi- 
nated. The national loss, more even than horror at so horrible 
a crime, paled men's faces. If it be possible that such a deed 
has given pleasure to any man, it is because the hope is nour- 
ished, tbat upon the lives of these two men, the salvation of 
the Union depends. Would that the whole nation may learn to 
value, true merit, to sustain the reputation of our public men, 
to reward their services with honorable independence while they 
live, and when they die to pay to their memories that tribute 
of gratitude and affection, which in the minds of all ingenuous 
youth, is the most powerful and noble incentive to great deeds 
in tbe service of their country. I have heard so much invective 
against public men, such wholesale defamation of character, that 
it is a grateful task even to share in tbe nation's tears over the 
grave ot'a dead patriot, as we are called to do to-day. (Uxl grant 



11 



that this sense of loss felt by the nation, when a single man is 
suddenly removed, may have a lasting and salutary effect upon 
all our countrymen. 

Yet the principal truth that we need to learn, that which 
both nations and individuals are so prone to forget, is that Cod 
is the « refuge and strength » of nations as well as of individuals. 
His best gifts may not be too long possessed and enjoyed lest 
we forget the giver, in our satisfaction with the gift. Pride is 
perhaps our greatest national sin. It is as deeply seated as the 
marrow in our bones. Solomon has said: « Though thou shouldst 
bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will 
not his foolishness depart from him. » Self esteem in an inordi- 
nate degree is our foil}' in the sight of Gfod. Has He not truly 
brayed us in a mortar with pestle for four long years, yet who 
will say that our folly has departed from us. Perhaps at the very 
hour when this stroke came, the nation was dizzy with self ela- 
tion and self glorification. Now, if God has a controversy with 
us in this respect — if He is to be exalted by us as a people, 
this sin and folly must be confessed and repented of. If our 
national life and hopes beat high this day, it is because He has 
been our help, and strength in our time of trouble. How often 
were we not made to feel our dependence upon Him when bitter 
defeats came thick upon us ! AVhen this danger is nearly past, 
another appears, and by it we are admonished that some vul- 
nerable part is always exposed — that whether in peace or war, 
God alone is our strength and our shield. His purpose shall stand 
fast, and the only security for human interests, is found in iden- 
tifying them with the higher interests of Christ's Kingdom. These 
and these alone, are secured by a pledge beyond recall. Our 
nation and our present institutions will stand, so long as they 
are in harmony with, and tributary to, the interests of the King- 
dom of Christ, which alone is pledged to stand forever. 

So long as Biblical and inspired history runs parallel with 
profane history, we are distinctly informed, that the fortunes 
of empires were determined by their relation to God's chosen 
people. Since the day of the Apostles, the key has been lost by 
which to interpret, without danger of error, God's purpose respec- 
ting His people and the world. Yet it is as true of modern Em- 



12 



pines and Republics — that their <fate is to be determined by their 
relation to the interests of the true Church of Christ — as it ever 
was of the old Empires now in ruins. Xo sincere believer in 
revelation can doubt this. Nothing is certain and stable, that is 
not of God's appointment, and that lie does not himself uphold. 
No nation or form of government has any such pledge of per- 
manence. It is the sole glory of the true Cluu-ch of Christ. It is 
with respect to the spiritual Kingdom of which Christ is Head, 
that God has said .ler: 38 : 20-21 : crlf'yc can break my convenaut 
of the day. and my convenant of the night; that there should 
not be day and night in their season, then may also my conve- 
nant be broken with David my servant, that he should not 
have a son to reign upon his throne. » It is only in reference 
to the conquests of Christ's kingdom, that Cod has sworn by 
himself, saying: « the word is gone out of my mouth in righte- 
ousness, and shall not return — That unto me every knee shall 
bow and every tongue shall swear. » The same thought is set 
forth in this Psalm. The glory of Jerusalem was that God was 
in the midst of her. So long as this was the case, though the 
heathen raged, and the kingdoms were moved, yet the author 
of this Psalm was sustained by sublime confidence, that God 
would keep Jerusalem, his city and his throne among men. 

Are we justified in indulging this hope and confidence, 
with respect to our country, that « God is in the midst of her » 
and that He will be our refuge and strength ? Let us not be 
presumptuous, yet let us weigh some facts of our history. Amer- 
ica was planted and peopled by men of whom Europe was not 
worthy. They were men who rather chose to worship God in a 
solitude, than to shine in the courts of kings. Scotland, Hol- 
land, France and England sent their sturdiest sons to the Xew- 
AVorld. and they took possession of it in the name of God and 
liberty of conscience to worship Him according to His word. 
Most of our institutions were founded by profoundly religious 
men, and have been chiefly fostered by such men to this day. 
So jealously watched are all our religious interests that no in- 
terference of government is permitted. The interests of religion 
and education, are entrusted to the people. Of all the novelties 
of the government of the United States, the absolute separation 



13 



of Church and State, is the most striking. It may now be aflir- 
med, that the people can he safely entrusted with these preci- 
ous interests. The building- of Churches and Colleges and Schools 
has kept pace with the growth of the country, though this 
growth has exceeded all human calculation. Nearly all our ins- 
titutions of learning are decidedly religious in their influence. 
The Gospel is preached with freedom and power in the vast 
majority of the pulpits of the land. Church purity and discipline 
are maintained, for no fiat of Civil power, can interfere 
with liberty of Church action. And to day when scarcely a na- 
tion of Europe is not disquieted by constantly recurring con- 
flicts between the action of the Church, and of the civil power, 
with us, each of these powers acts freely in its prescribed or- 
bit, and without danger of conflict. It is probably owing to this 
freedom of Church action, that the Church of America has al- 
ways been full of life, and energy, and warmth. The American 
Church has happily not come into the cold embrace of the state. 
and has never ceased to rejoice with the joy and gladness of 
her first espousals. Precious revivals of religion are almost con- 
tinually occurring. And notwithstanding the vast tide of immi- 
gration — now alas ! infidel and immoral in its character and 
influence, and the' vast extent of new territory within her own 
bounds to be occupied year by year, the Church of America has 
her Missionaries all over the world. The pressure of the times 
has not, so far as I am aware, recalled any of them, while a 
number of reinforcements have been sent out. There is much in 
these considerations, that warrants a favorable interpretation 
of God's purposes towards our countiy ; and the confident be- 
lief that for His own name's sake, He will preserve us. 

There is nothing in late events, which contradicts this 
view. Surely no man who has not confounded material wealth, 
extension of territory, and physical power, with true progress 
in substantial prosperity, can have failed to see that of late this 
progress and prosperity were hollow and false. I will not enter 
into any particulars. Let every one for himself review the past, 
and mark the direction in which everything was tending, and 
he will find little difficulty in interpreting all that has happen- 
ncd to us, as a chastisement for our reformation, instead of a 



14 



judgment for our destruction. The evil was so gigantic that a 
powerful remedy was necessary. Perhaps even yet new trials 
and difficulties, may await the nation. No one can venture to 
affirm, that they are not needed as a discipline, and to develop 
those solid virtues, which are the only basis of true prosperity. 
Experience is the only school in which real national virtues are 
developed, and chastisements from God are always blessings 
in disguise. 

As individuals our duty is plain. Though in a foreign land 
and owing obedience to its laws, our allegiance is still due to 
the land of our birth. While at this distance we watch with in- 
tense interest the course of national affairs, we can identify our- 
selves with our countrymen at home, by sustaining their honor 
and interests abroad, by bowing with them before God in fer- 
vent supplications for a blessing upon our country, our rulers, 
and our institutions, and in lamenting with them the untimely 
death of a Chief Magistrate, who in times that tried men's souls 
was faithful to the trust deposited in him by the people, and as 
he himself undoubtedly believed, by the God of nations. On ta- 
king leave of his townsmen and neighbours in Springfield, to 
assume the responsabilities of his office, he asked them to pray 
for him, that he might receive grace and strength from on high 
to do his duty. He has at all times, in public and in private, ack- 
nowledged the hand of God in our affairs and sought His guidance. 
His last public message expresses the same faith. No one who 
is not full of invincible prejudice will suspect President Lincoln 
of insincerity or hypocrisy. And now that he is gone to his rest 
and reward; let us invoke the same protection and guidance 
for those who assume his great responsabilities. Let us be strong 
in the sublime faith of this inspired Psalm. Let us be assured 
that God is our refuge and strength. Let us be still under the 
doings of His providence whose mystery baffles our interpreta- 
tion, and learn that God is the Lord, and all His acts, good 
mid right. 



A. 



